J Crew French Terry Double Zip Hoodie

It seems odd, with the approaching snow tonight, to be writing about the J Crew French Terry Double Zip Hoodie (item #12661, $49.50). Because that, my friends, is probably going to become my throw-on-top-of-everything summer staple. I tried it on over a few outings before I finally purchased. But I am so glad I did. (Mardi Gras purchase #3, and that concludes the J Crew portion of the Mardi Gras shopping.)

I got the dark charcoal but I included the model pic so that you can see the pockets and other features better. And I honestly debated about the color, as I liked both the light pewter and the white. In the end, I decided that a dark color would last a whole lot longer between washings, and I wouldn't be as concerned about setting it down somewhere.

I love the double zip, especially since it hits a little lower than the traditional hoodie. Plus that additional few inches in the length elongate the figure a bit. Us non-models can always use a bit of help in that department.

The fabric is very soft. A perfect weight for a spring/summer topper - not too heavy, but not too light or thin. It has pockets - always a bonus. And they're quite cute with the top flap and all.

One of the my favorite features about the hoodie is the collar - you can see it best in this picture - it has a full collar all the way around, with the hoodie coming out over it. Just a nice extra feature that your standard hoodie is usually not equipped with.

Size-wise, I took a large. Honestly, the large and medium looked the same, so I figured I would go with the large to allow a little extra wiggle room with potential dryer shrinkage.

And the sleeves. They are actually long enough. Amazing! (Remember, I did take a large.) But they looked really, really cute folded up in a cuff, so if you have shorter arms, that would work, too. The sleeve is finished in a

I wore the hoodie this past Friday with a shell tissue boyfriend vneck tee, jeans, and my new Clarks Clearlake flats (see earlier post). And I layered my Anthro typeset initial necklace with the JCrew twisted crystal necklace doubled for a little sparkle.

Aren't these shoes cute? I love them!

Shopaholic vs. Devil

I loved Confessions of a Shopaholic. What a cute, fun, but yet thought-provoking movie. It also brought to mind one of my other all-time favorites - The Devil Wears Prada.

I loved both lead actresses. Anne and Isla, you were both phenomenal. I would give Anne the slight edge in wardrobe, as I am just not quite as funky and colorful as Becky Bloomwood. (Sorry, Patricia Field, but I was after most of Charlotte's wardrobe, not Carrie's.)

Cute boys all around - Hugh, Adrian, Simon.

And let's just talk about the stellar supporting casts. Wow!

• Meryl, Stanley, Rich, and, most of all, Emily - loved loved loved you in Prada.


• Kristin, Wendie, Joan, John, John, Leslie - I confess my love.

Which movie was your favorite? (See poll at upper right)

J Crew Broadcloth Scalloped Shell

Mardi Gras Purchase #2, although it could definitely vie with the white cashmere long sleeve tee for #1 on my list because it is just smashing! Remember how I said I didn't get the gray zebra tee because it just didn't make me feel like I could conquer the world? Well, in this, I feel like I can conquer the world and then sit to have some tea afterward. Yes, I would have loved it on sale (ok, I did use my 10% off gave-them-my-email-card), but it was worth the full price to me. That's how good I felt. And really, shouldn't all of our clothes make us feel like that?

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the J Crew Broadcloth Scalloped Shell (item #12548), price $69.50. I love love love the black and navy combo. So chic, just gorgeous. The shell is navy and the scallops are 1 row of black topped with 1 row of navy. I tried to get a picture to show the color difference, but it just didn't work. But take my word for it, it rocks. The buff, on the other hand, was just not that flattering on me at this time of the year, but would look great with the right skintone or a tan. Slastena had a great review of this top in the buff on here blog; check it out here.

The fit is perfect on this, not too tight, not too loose. The fabric is nice and crisp but soft, not at all stiff or scratchy. The slit in the neck is a little low, but there is a hook & eye closure toward the bottom to keep it decent. I think it's fantastic, and can't wait for it to be warm enough to wear. I may try to sneak it in on one of these not-too-frigid days. Right now a black jacket and jeans would be my top choices. And I can't WAIT to wear it with my white jeans. Maybe a cute skirt. I really should start to Polyvore one of these days.

Mary Beth - lots of arm work tomorrow, ok?

Dear Cashmere, I love you. XOXO, HeidiG

Mardi Gras Shopping Item #1: J Crew Cashmere Crewneck Tee in snow. Somehow this simple beauty was hanging on the (not additionally reduced :< ) sale rack, but it was $39.99. Apparently, it wasn't really supposed to be out there, but the universe was smiling upon my master plan.

Have I mentioned how much I love cashmere? Who doesn't... with the exception of some people with allergies and skin issues, and I am so sorry if that is you.

In honor of my no-shopping-Lenten season, I chose this as the outfit for Day #1. See, I haven't exactly gotten to the closet clean-out/reorg yet. Re: the sweater, what can I say? It's simple, clean, and maybe a bit plain - but it's just waiting to be spiced up. Today, I was feeling uncluttered so I went with a short chunky Silpada chain and cross, my trusty Chicos jeans, and the Mossimo Desta ballet flats. And my kelly green Gap corduroy jacket (that my babysitter actually has, too!) to top it off outside and brighten up the palette. Looking at the pic, I really should have gone with bigger jewelry or a scarf, and some fun shoes. So noted for next time...

Day 2 of No Shopping, What is SAH???, and Running in Heels (no, not me)

All good. Stayed home and worked. Deleted all the sale emails that came into my in bin. Even played with the camera some more to figure out how to get pics to post. Tomorrow - pairs training (no, I'm not an ice skater), drop off at the consignment shop, volunteer in M's class if I'm not too stinky after PT, early release from school for the kids, and Movie Afternoon. Life is good!

On a related note, a friend asked me what SAH stood for, so I told her "Stay at Home". At least that's how I was using it. She rightly pointed out that it could be "ShopAHolic". So am I a StayAtHome/WorkAtHomeMom or a ShopAHolic/WorkAHolicMom? Hmmmm... (Discuss amongst yourselves)

And in some very fun news, while the lawyers and greedy bastards duke it out over Project Runway (I miss you, Tim Gunn!!), we have an appetizer in the interim...

Premiering March 1 on the Style Network, Running in Heels tracks the lives of three Marie Claire interns hoping to make it in the world of publishing. More info here. I think this would have been a fantastic name for a blog, except that I so seldom wear them. Although I did actually wear my Aerosoles Inspiration patent pumps on Monday all day long - to Target, the grocery store, and volunteering at school. Yay me!

Will you watch Running in Heels?

Lenten Shopping Ban - Day 1

So, day 1... How did it go? Pretty well. I worked at home in the AM, and then saw Confessions of a Shopaholic in the afternoon before the kids got home from school. A very good way to start off a break from shopping. Cute, cute movie - very fun. And some definite food for thought. Interestingly enough, my book club is discussing the book Friday night. (yes, I have read the book)

My son almost did me in, though, when he asked for a pair of (really cute and very cool) shorts from the Land's End catalog - and they had a 20% promo today and today only. I told Michael that we would get the shorts when it was actually shorts weather. I'm sure it won't be the last promo. And he never asks for anything. Maybe an Easter present?

I have sort of started on the clean up closet project. I should post before and after pics. I had to do a quick go through to put together my bag for the consignment shop on Friday. I really, really need to wade in there, though.

Tomorrow, I'll be at home working all day, except for a quick run to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription. The not-shopping does seem to free up some time! I really should be using some of that to go through the closet, though...

A little fun at H+M

So I was at Tysons a week or so ago and happened to wander into H&M. I didn't have a lot of time, so I thought I would breeze through the accessories to see what I could find. I'll be honest, I saw this, thought it was just so cute, but passed it by on my way to do other errands. But I kept thinking about it and knew I would be back by, so...$5.90 (+tax) later, this is my new ring.

It's a little big, but it works as a statement piece. I will be wearing it on my right hand, but that's the hand that takes the pictures, you know. The ring is gold with white inlay (I don't think it's quite nice enough to call that enamel - it's probably paint.) And when the gold all wears off, I won't be too sad since it was barely more than $6. Can't say the same of the ring I got at Banana Republic last spring that I loved... until the finish wore off to a coppery base. Not good, not at that price.

Another Summer Sandal

In an effort to replace my much-loved Target-Isaac Mizrahi Liz sandals from last summer (hehe, isn't it funny that's the name he gave them?), I have been perusing the shoe aisles at my local Target and trying on quite a few.

So far, this is my favorite for summer. It's the Mossimo Wanda sandal. I did get it - last week, I believe, when they were on sale for $12.99. This is the dark brown color - it's so pretty in real life, a very rich dark brown - not too red or gray. I think it would actually go with everything. The sandals are also available in black. The black pair has white stitching, while the stitching on the brown is tone-on-tone. Size-wise, I went with the higher end of my usual size range (9 or 9 1/2 - I got the 9 1/2). There is some cushioning in the insole for comfort. The straps keep the shoe on your foot, but don't chafe. The elastic at the heel makes it very easy to slip on. It's not real leather, but it also doesn't make the squelchy sound that fake leather sometimes does. I can't wait to wear them this spring!

I Love Lemonade!

A big huge thank you and hug to Sparrows and Sparkles and to Fabulous Florida Mommy for this award. Only 5 blogs in, so wow, thanks! I want all of you whose blogs I read to know that you all inspired me to start this. And it's been a lot of fun. I suspect it will actually get better/easier as I figure out what I am doing a bit more.

The award is for sites that show great attitude and/or gratitude in general.

Upon receiving the Lemonade Award, you also pass it on to other bloggers who you think show great attitude and or gratitude.

So here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post

2. Nominate at least 5-10 blogs that show great Attitude and or Gratitude. *I have more than 10*.

3. Be sure to list and link nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Here are my nominees for the Lemonade Award, all of which will probably overlap with FFM and/or S&S, but how do you think I found all the great blogs I read?

A Bigger Closet

About All or Nothing at All

A Dash of Humble Pie

Elegant Mom

Gigi's Gone Shopping

Making the Best Joyce

My Superfluities...

The J Crew Zebra Tee

So you know today was my shopping Mardi Gras (before the Lenten shopping ban starts tomorrow). And interestingly enough, I bought less that I thought I would. Apparently,the universe thinks I am on the right track.

One of the things I did NOT buy was the famous J Crew zebra tee. I tried it on. And I will tell you, it runs small. It was cute, but it just wasn't worth $68 to me. For $68, a tshirt should make me feel like I could conquer the world. I will give credit where credit is due - the tee was definitely substantial and could support the weight of the beads. However, the gray was just not a great color on me. There were 2 other similar beaded tees. One was a crawfish on a shell (I think) tee and the other was a beetle on an orange tee. The beetle tee was really cute. I may have considered it had I not found other (and much better for me) options. And please don't harsh on the picture. I know it's not great. This was my first attempt at using my phone to take a dressing room pic, so please forgive the blurriness. The pics got better as the day went, I promise.

Here is the pic of the disturbing red-eyed zebra from the JC website. (They don't have the gray online, or the other tees, that I can see.)

What do you think of the zebra tee? When do you spend $68 on a tshirt?

The Flip Flop Dilemma

I have told you about how I tried to limit flip flop wear last summer. My feet were oh-so-happy with me! But this always brings up the issue of what to wear to the pool, other that flip flops. Wouldn't it be great if someone made flip flops that had a back strap and were really cute? Well, Havaianas, thank you! The famous Brazilian company has a flip flop sandal - just like their regular flip flops but with the back strap. The style is called FIT. I picked up a pair at Nordstrom today (yes, my Mardi Gras), but I don't see them on the Nordstrom website. They are available on ShopBop.

One note - be careful about the sizing. I wear a 9. I got a size that was called 7/8 on the tag, but said 8/9 on the sticker on the sole. And it fit fine (no extra room, but not a lot of extra shoe showing).

I will probably end up going back (after Lent) to pick up a black pair. I think this is my pool/beach/river/lake solution for the summer and it is probably going to be my Mother's Day present for my mom, too!

Question on Blogger Comments? Bueller? Bueller? Update - we have a fix!

Don't know if anyone knows the answer to this, but thought I would put it out there....

Over the past couple days, I have had a hard time commenting on blogs. If adding a comment is at the bottom of the page for the entry, the word verification doesn't come up - it just says, "Loading" but never comes up. If adding a comment brings up a separate page (and I don't know the difference - i assume it's in the settings), I am fine; the word verification shows up.

Does anyone have any idea?

ps - Joyce - I find that the Chanel eyeliner doesn't smear much. The powerhouse of crayon eyeliners, to me, is the Makeup Forever line at Sephora - but theirs require sharpening, and I am such a fan of the twist-up.

UPDATE:
A big, huge THANK YOU to Dina for fixing the problem. It's your blog, not my comments. (That's the universal you, not you personally.) Well, at least until we figure out something else. You have to change the comments to full page. Dina has a fantastic explanation here, and I just updated to full page comments. Yay, Dina! (and I love her blog, too.)

Life's Too Short for Ugly Shoes

Sitting here watching the Oscars, I started thinking about all the fantastic high heels that the girls, and for all I know, some of the boys, wear. (Remember when the South Park guys showed up at the Oscars dressed as Gwyneth and J Lo? Ok, I'm dating myself, but it was great.)

So I've really been trying to reform my shoe habits. And considering the foot surgeries my mother and sister have both had, I probably should be concerned. Starting this past summer, I virtually eliminated my flip flop wear (I miss you, my cute, fun JC flip flops!). But the different in my feet was amazing! But when fall started and I started wearing my totally unsupportive Target ballet flats (even with the tacky gel insole - but it works, I tell ya!), I started having occasional pain on the top of my foot. And my Dansko clogs, much as I love them, just aren't what I want to wear everyday. Then again, maybe I should have gotten the leopard patent pair that my sister and my friend, Laura, have. And I have a wide foot up front that's narrow at the heel, so it's not always easy to find shoes that fit. Much as I love JC, most of their flats and heels are just too narrow in the toe box. This year, I am on the lookout for cute shoes that are actually supportive and (gasp) comfortable. So far, I have found 2 winners over the past month.

#1 - Clearlake by Clarks Artisan. (Yes, Clarks.) They have a small heel to offset my usual flat wearing - always good to switch up your heel height! As you would expect from Clarks, they have some nice padding and support. But they are so cute on! This is the light pink patent. The bummer is that I've only worn them once so far as the weather has been too chilly. But come spring, I'll be all over these. They fit in perfectly with the nude trend for spring that JCrew and others have been showing us. I may even consider the gray leather version, except, of course, I don't need another pair of peep toes, much as I love them, since it is winter.

#2 - Inspiration by Aerosoles. I got these a couple of weeks ago. They look great with a dress and a pair of black opaque tights. I wore them for 2 parties over the past few weekends with said dresses, and they worked. Enough heel to be fun, but not so much that some of my shorter hemlines looked trashy. I'm an a-line mini over a pencil skirt kind of girl - works better on my shape. I definitely thing the black patent is best in these, since they give it a little more pep than the flat black. They are insanely comfortable and I am actually planning to wear them to school tomorrow to volunteer in my kids' classes. THAT's what we call a true road test!

So, what are some of your favorite comfy but cute & chic shoes?

Helloooo World! (or a teeny bit of it...)

Well this is my inaugural blog. I have been so inspired by all the fantastic JCA and other blogs out there. I thought I would dip my proverbial toe in the blogosphere. I still haven't figured out the whole photographing-for-blog thing. So I'll start with an idea...

Current trend is the recessionista, the new name for a style maven on a budget. My friends (and hubby) know that I do really love to shop. But times call for practicality. And there has been a lot of chatter amongst some of my fave bloggers about shopping bans. Thank you, Slastena. And when I finally post the pic of my closet - ugh, it needs some help. So here goes...

Lent starts on Wednesday. So after Mardi Gras (during which I feel compelled to do a quick swing through Old Navy to check out all of Gigi's fantastic finds ), I will give up the unnecessary shopping for Lent. For me and the kids (because the cute kid clothes are a weakness as well). No J Crew, or Banana Republic, or Target, or Sephora. I have my liter-sized bottles of Pureology, so I should be good with shampoo for a while. I have enough nail polish to lacquer my kitchen cabinets, should I choose... well, maybe not the kitchen cabinets, but at least a bathroom vanity.

I'll try to not be boring. And well, I have done some shopping before all this, which will give me a few topics, thus the need for the ban. And it's an exercise in self-restraint. And a reason to really examine the role it plays in my life. Ok, maybe that was a little deep but a little self-examination is a healthy thing. And so is shopping.

My hubby's grandfather passed away last week, and he was the last of that generation in our families. Time for our generation to step it up a little. Time to regroup, refocus, reprioritize.

Back to that closet. Clean out, organize, shop the closet. Who knows what I'll find...